Sewing

Last weekend I broke down and opened my sewing machine. I convinced myself that everything would be okay, and that nothing would get lost. It comes with a handy drawer for all of the miscellaneous pieces, so I don’t think anything too terrible will happen. Also included was a free subscription for Martha Stewart’s Living Magazine, although I’m pretty sure the offer has expired by now. I couldn’t find a date anywhere on the offer envelope, so I’m going to send for it anyway. I wonder what's in the magazine...

I got the machine last year for Christmas. It’s a Singer 2263 Simple. I’ll be the judge of just how simple it really is, though. I read through the entire manual, and I think I’ll be able to thread it successfully. Since I know next to nothing about sewing, I’m going to have to do some serious research regarding sewing stitches and techniques. And I should probably educate myself about textiles as well. P.S. – I’ve already started a “sewing” tub in my closet.

I have a few sewing projects lined up for this year. (What? Did you expect anything less of me?) There’s the quilt I’ve mentioned before, a (hopefully) simple dress, some doggie diapers, and a couple of purses. I’d like to try the doggie diapers first. I think they’ll be the easiest for me to accomplish. As it stands now, I’ll be buying the materials on Saturday in Vineland. I hope to find some hot pink fabric and maybe an animal print. Xerxes likes to be the center of attention, and I doubt he’ll experience any lack of it while strutting around in his hot pink wee-wee holder!

I already bought most of the required materials for the dress. I’ll be using a free pattern from BurdaStyle called Coffee Date Dress. (If you’d like to access the pattern, you’ll have to sign up for BurdaStyle. It’s free!) After a little bit of struggling and some deep thought, I finally printed out the pattern correctly. (100%, no scaling) Much to my dismay, a portion of the pattern lies outside of the printable area on the page, so I’ll have to measure and draw a little. Since the pattern doesn’t include the seam allowance, I’ll have to get myself a marking device while I’m out on Saturday. In addition, I need a zipper foot for my machine. In case you were curious, I picked a royal blue cotton fabric for the dress. At first I wanted a print, but then I decided I’d rather not have to worry about lining up everything and making sure the pieces are cut straight. If, by some miracle, I actually finish the dress and it’s wearable, I’d like to put a thick black ribbon around the waist for interest. I’m on the fence about the ruffle. Unfortunately, it’s walking that very fine line between looking stylish and looking like a waddle.

Last Sunday I spent some time looking up purse patterns. At some point I’d like to make a knit purse, but sewn purses seem so much faster. I chose two patterns that I think I can manage: the Buttercup Bag and the Phoebe Bag. Neither calls for more than a yard of fabric, so they should be pretty cheap to make. Plus, I’m in need of a cute little purse. Who isn’t?

And there you have it. I’ve officially entered yet another realm of the craft world. Goodness gracious.

Before I sign off, I have a bit of good news to share. I have been working on one of my works in progress, and I’m happy to report that I’ll be starting the heel of the second Shooting Stocking tonight. Maybe I’ll be finished with the pair this weekend!